Missing Person Found as Flood Waters Recede

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County detectives have recovered the body of 74-year-old Timothy James Bender of northwestern Smith County. Authorities say a welfare check was issued for Bender during the recent flooding. The welfare concern was initiated by relatives in Michigan. Bender’s vehicle was found parked on the side of the road near Enchanted Lakes in northwestern Smith County. ALERT Academy of Big Sandy assisted the Smith County Sheriff’s Office in the search Tuesday after the vehicle was located. The body was found in a field near the abandoned vehicle. The flood waters had at one time submerged the vehicle.